The best small suvs you can buy

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The best small suvs you can buy

AI-generated summary · updated July 28, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

1 Best overall
2024 Honda CR-V

4.7/5 $28,000-$38,000

Excellent fuel economy, refined ride, and spacious interior make it a top choice in the compact SUV segment.
- Great fuel economy
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Smooth and quiet ride
- Base engine lacks punch
- Infotainment system could be more intuitive
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2 Best sporty handling
2024 Mazda CX-5

4.6/5 $26,000-$37,000

Fun to drive with upscale interior and sharp styling, offering great value for the money.
- Sporty handling
- Upscale cabin
- Strong fuel economy
- Smaller cargo area than rivals
- Rear seat space is tight
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3 Best resale value
2024 Toyota RAV4

4.5/5 $27,000-$37,000

Reliable, fuel-efficient, and available in hybrid, with ample cargo space and a solid reputation.
- Excellent reliability
- Good fuel economy
- Available hybrid
- Road noise on highway
- Base interior feels cheap
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4 Best technology
2024 Hyundai Tucson

4.5/5 $25,000-$36,000

Bold styling, long warranty, and generous standard features make it a compelling value proposition.
- Long warranty
- Excellent safety features
- Good cargo space
- Base engine is slow
- Fuel economy not class-leading
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5 Best warranty
2024 Kia Sportage

4.4/5 $25,000-$36,000

Unmatched warranty, modern design, and lots of standard features at a relatively low price.
- Long warranty
- Feature-rich
- Smooth ride
- Not as fuel-efficient
- Handling is numb
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6 Best for outdoors
2024 Subaru Forester

4.4/5 $26,000-$34,000

Standard all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and excellent visibility make it great for outdoor adventures.
- Standard AWD
- High ground clearance
- Excellent visibility
- Not very quick
- Cheap interior materials
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7 Best hybrid efficiency
2024 Ford Escape

4.3/5 $26,000-$37,000

Available plug-in hybrid with impressive range, and peppy turbo engine options.
- PHEV option with good EV range
- Peppy engines
- User-friendly tech
- Cargo space is below average
- Fit and finish could be better
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8 Best comfort
2024 Nissan Rogue

4.3/5 $26,000-$36,000

Quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and smooth ride make it a great commuter SUV.
- Very comfortable seats
- Quiet ride
- Good fuel economy
- CVT transmission drone
- Limited off-road capability
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9 Best for families
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

4.2/5 $26,000-$38,000

Third-row option available, spacious interior, and European sophistication.
- Available third row
- Spacious interior
- Solid build quality
- Not as fuel-efficient
- Base engine is underpowered
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Buying advice

Consider your primary needs such as fuel economy, cargo space, or driving dynamics. Test drive multiple models to compare ride comfort and visibility. Also factor in long-term reliability and resale value; Toyota and Honda often lead here. Don't overlook the warranty coverage from Hyundai and Kia. For snowy climates, Subaru's standard AWD is a plus. Finally, check current incentives and deals as they can significantly affect the final price.

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The best small suvs you can buy

Buying advice

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